Bond for Chippewa Township man accused of killing wife raised to $5 million

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Bond for an Isabella County man accused of murdering his wife Friday night has been increased to $5 million.

Prosecutor Larry Burdick said the bond for Gary John Reen, 56, was set higher because of the seriousness and emotion of the case.

“I asked for his bond to be increased to $10 million,” Burdick said. “And the court raised it to $5 million.”

Judge William R. Rush asked whether Reen can afford an attorney during a court appearance Monday, to which Reen said he would like one to be appointed by the court.

Reen said he had been working as a maintenance person for Copper Beech Townhomes, 4750 E. Bluegrass Road, but could not afford an attorney himself. Copper Beech management declined comment.

Reen allegedly shot and killed his wife, Cheryl Kristine Reen. He is charged with open murder and felony firearm possession.

According to an affidavit filed in court, Reen walked into the sheriff’s department about 6:50 p.m. Friday and confessed to corrections officers he had shot his wife.

The report said Reen told officers, “I just shot my wife.”

Reen went on to say the two were having marital problems and had plans to divorce. Reen said his wife was having an affair and that he “just couldn’t take it anymore,” according to the affidavit.

The document states he told corrections officers he left the weapon, a snubnose .38-caliber pistol, on top of a bin in the pole barn, the same part of the home where he shot Cheryl.

Deputies later arrived at the Reen residence at 7120 E. River Road and discovered Cheryl Reen’s body. Gary Reen said he shot her at least two times in the back and at least one time in her front, according to the affidavit.

Reen had also communicated with his son about 6:45 p.m., informing him he shot the son’s stepmother, according to the affidavit. He was taken into custody and jailed after being questioned at the sheriff’s department.